The Los Angeles Lakers will pay tribute to the late Jerry West throughout the 2024-25 season by wearing commemorative bands with West’s No. 44 on their jerseys. West, who passed away at the age of 86 in June, spent his entire professional playing career with the Lakers and later became a successful coach and executive for the franchise. The Lakers will also honor West with a fan giveaway of West No. 44 jerseys during their regular-season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22.
Known as “Mr. Clutch,” West led the Lakers to nine NBA Finals appearances and won a championship in 1971-72. He was a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, and a five-time member of the All-Defensive team. West was also the 1969 NBA Finals MVP, despite being on the losing team, a unique achievement in NBA history.
As an executive, West played a key role in building the Lakers teams that won multiple championships in the 1980s and early 2000s, including during the “Showtime” era and the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal-led teams.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have reportedly hired Zach Guthrie as the new head coach of their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Guthrie, a former assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz, will bring his coaching experience to the development of young talent in the Lakers’ organization.
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